COVID-19 pandemic in French Polynesia


The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached the French overseas collectivity of French Polynesia in March 2020. As of 17 April, cases are confined to Tahiti and Moorea.

Background

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.
The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.

Timeline

March 2020

On 11 March, the first case of COVID-19 in French Polynesia was confirmed. The first patient was Maina Sage, a member of the French National Assembly.
The number of cases reported rose to three on 13 March.
The other new coronavirus case concerns a Swiss tourist who fell ill on the atoll of Fakarava in the Tuamotus. According to Tahiti Nui Television, the tourist had also arrived in French Polynesia the previous weekend. The individual has been flown back to Tahiti where tests confirmed his infection. Meanwhile, French Polynesia has suspended cruise ship tourism for a month. The government has issued a statement saying ships bound for French Polynesia are to be routed to the next international port of their choice. Ships within French Polynesia's territorial waters are directed to head to Papeete for passengers to disembark and to be repatriated. Before docking, the passengers' health status has to be reported to authorities.
Three new cases were confirmed on 18 March, and five on 19 March.
On 20 March, a mandatory lock-down was announced, starting at midnight.
Starting on 24 March, alcoholic beverages are forbidden from being sold.
On 27 March 2020, the French High Commissioner Dominique Sorain and the French Polynesian President jointly announced that a curfew would be imposed, lasting from 8pm to 5am the next day, starting this day until 15 April.

April 2020

May 2020

On the 19th, the Ministry has reported that all 60 cases have recovered, they've declared themselves Covid-Free, but will remain vigilant. On May 21st, residents can travel to other island without needing to take a test, however there will still be 2 week quarantine order for arrivals.